It's a sign of the times, everybody. Acura has hit the mark with the MDX Type S. If you have $75k to $80k to spend on a vehicle, take a shop around and see what you can get for that price range. That $80k luxury brand from two years ago has moved well out of that range today, when equipped with all the popular features. The MDX Type S suddenly looks like a winner.
Similar options on a GLE 450 had me close to 85K, same with BMW. Have had the Type S for a week and I love it more and more every day. I look for excuses to drive it.
My type s advance tiger eye pearl with azurite blue interior arrives this weekend. Beyond excited. We cross shopped this with the GV80, X7, Aviator, GLE 350, and Q7. This is the only one that gave me both and emotional and visceral thrill when driving it. It’s not the fastest off the line but man, this thing pulls in 4th and 5th gears. And when you hit the corners, forget it. So so fun.
It's deceptively quick once underway. I've just hit the 600 mi break-in point and got on it today. No lack of power. Cross shopped same as you. I also really like that it doesn't look too different than an A spec ( I have liquid carbon) and kind of blends in. ELS signature audio is the best I've ever heard, and the 9 mode seat massage is sublime.... And it's equally comfortable just lugging along on the highway or in stop and go traffic, as it is hitting a really demanding curvy road in sport mode. I actually think it rides better than the standard MDX overall, and it seems quieter..
if for whatever reason, you need to sell that car in 2 years (because life happens), I'm sure you're going to be even happier that you went with an Acura
Ok wow i am impressed. The day that Paul and Todd buy an Acura MDX Type S *over* the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Merc Benz, Porsche Cayenne/Macan, Genesis GV80, Lexus RX, and Infiniti QX60, that is the day that I will give the new Acura Integra/ILX a test drive against the Honda Civic Si.
I've had one the last 9 months. I usually keep it in Normal mode and I'm averaging around 20.5mpg combined which I don't think is horrible for something this big that has some power.
Reliability is a pretty solid for MDX 2011, i have 108k miles and i love the SH-AWD. I am a believer of pushing my engine to rev high and taking advantage of torque vectoring in corners. I love to get a MDX- type S.
I currently have 17 Cayenne S and an Odyssey. I really wanted the Type S but it gave up to much room for my wife to give up her minivan which we need when we have the Grandkids. But when I am ready to replace the Cayenne it will most likely be a Type S. A similarly specified Cayenne is over $100,000 and the driving dynamics are close enough for 98% of my driving
Todd said, $70K, this is where we're at. He's not kidding. I know all the new tech in today's cars is great,but it's making everything so expensive it's pricing most people out.
It's all going to crash and burn real soon. S*** is getting real and we are going to get an actual depression in this country. $10 gas is also going to finish off these SUVs people are going to be looking for Toyota Corollas
I had in mind on upgrading from highlander to Toyota Sequoia Platinum or TRD but after watching this I am 50/50 but the towing is where I still leaning on towards to Sequoia, this car is calling my name too :).
The COLOR is FAB!! Who else? Who else, has got a color anywhere near this! It WORKS GUYS, it’s stunning and smart beautiful and will wear well through the years. Looks fantastic in fall weather and leaf color change. Much like a red car in autumn color change.
I have the '21 TLX 2.0 and the electronic throttle/turbo lag is really the one drawback of the car, but I gave it Ktuner stage 1 with the throttle adjustment and now the car feels perfect. It's really just electronic lag. The throttle pedal felt digital before, no matter what you did there was always this delay. Before the tune I had to put my foot into the pedal about halfway down its travel to get a normal level of response out of it. Even if I was in manual mode sitting at 3500 rpms there was a delay. In other similar cars you put the throttle down 25% for the same effect. The tune changed that completely
I think on some of these "7 seater" vehicles, we should start adopting the sports car +2 seats nomenclature. Like an FR-S is a 2+2 coupe, not a 4 seater, this MDX is a 5+2 SUV, not a 7 seater. The only real "7 seaters" should be minivans and Tahoe-sized SUVs.
What are you talking about (8:25). This is the best thing they did to the proportions. I owned 2nd and currently own third generations and I hated the proportions on both. They both looked like they had to fit the sheet metal on different platform while this generation feels like they designed the platform for a predetermined design. I love the look of this generation but also understand that looks is subjective
Great to see this because the TLX Type S was a letdown. I sold mine and got into a 330i X Drive with M Sport package. Drives way better because of the much lower weight and a bad ass engine and transmission combo. I also average well over 30 MPG consistently.
You really forget about it after a while, especially if you use android auto or Apple carplay. If you like everything else about the car it's definitely not big enough of an issue to ruin the car. I have a TLX with the same trackpad
The only thing I think they missed out on was the lack of a touchscreen console. Bring the infotainment screen forward (within comfortable arms length of the driver) and make it touchscreen. Other than that, the performance, build quality and comfort are all very good! Regarding the poor milage, for the first week I kept putting my Type S in sport+ mode, and would be a bit of a lead foot - because it was so much fun. But leave the car in normal and drive conservatively and you can get decent milage.... Just depends on how much of an adrenaline junkie you are.
Nah, leave the screen out of it. People try to be too fancy and end up falling on their face because thry put everything behind it. Im so glad to see physical controls As for mileage, I get 14 average with my 07.. I can't imagine what it would be with this 🤤 I NEED ONE
@@JTMoodie2 in it's class, the competition of the MDX all have a touch screen. Heck, I can live with it - but it is disappointing that a standard feature for the last 3+ years was skipped over in their flagship SUV.
@@metamorphic75 i cant disagree, but i also do still believe the infotainment ages cars and can easily go wrong if they put the wrong thing behind it. Personally, I'm glad in ways but i do see where you're coming from; ESPECIALLY for the price
This is such a great review but why why WHY on a cloudy, moody, rainy day would you film the entire thing with the panoramic moonroof closed? It would have really changed the vibe, guys...
Only small gripes for me are the shift by wire gear selector unit (not a fan) the lack of touchscreen compatibility (Acura give us both touchscreen and non-touchscreen control options) and all that shiny piano black trim (just use a nice light wood veneer) around the console and across the dash. Otherwise, the styling looks good, the interior looks upscale and comfortable, and it has more than enough power as a daily driver. I guess MPG's could be better but this is the performance version so it's not a surprise!
Acura seat ventilation doesn’t work at all. For those of us that live where summers are hot, it’s one of the worst brands you can buy and I hate that because I really loved everything about my old Acura but I’ll never buy another because for reasons unknown Acura refuses to address that issue.
We're not sure why that's strange... Todd has covered his wife's Cayenne in a long term ownership series on our original channel, and they are currently shopping a replacement. Seems an obvious discussion in this comparison. Thanks for watching.
Same exact boat. If you are going brand new it’s a no brainer to me. Comparably optioned X5 (to the Type S Advance) is at least 10k more, 13,500 if you want a comparable stereo. So for me it’s either a well optioned gently used X5 or the Type S Advance brand new. I guess I gotta get off my rear end and go test drive both. Good luck with the purchase!
Im going type S. I am currently in a 2015 X5 without any tech. I love The ride of the type S. Handling is very good. Price about the same as new X5 without all the comfort features. Hoping maintenence cost is less. TBD.
Too much money. Period. There is no justifying it. I eagerly await the recession to set things back to normal anymore because things are crazy. Especially in these SUVs and CUVs. Yeah, sports car prices went up, but so did the performance, multiple times. But did SUV, umm, people hauling go up the same way with "in a pinch" 3rd row? No. They get out done by a Taurus station wagon with backwards facing 3rd row seats. Are they faster? Sometimes, but they're big SUVs, don't care. Do they ride better? Sometimes, because many older SUVs rode good. SUVs and CUVs are just massive cash grabs. At least Toyota and Honda still do one thing right, the RAV4 and CRV are great. They went up too sure, but not as much, and they actually became more usable at the same time. Mix Mazda in there too.
@@lexbeats I’m sure that’s a ‘recall’ issue to be addressed if it’s a widespread systematic problem, and the terrific Honda warranty covers that at no cost. Otherwise it’s still a better buy than the $77k non third row seat MDX. A $55k MDX would be a more reasonable buy. Even a $49K Kia Telluride SX is, by far, a better choice.
@@flexonthadevil grantee, but, a $47,500 fully loaded Kia Telluride SX is also third row. And outsells the MDX for good reason. The MDX is a good choice, but $77K plus? Add a few thousands more and get a Mercedes or BMX or even a new leftover Escalade. But, get the MDX if you like it.
At this pricepoint, I'd much rather the GV80 or Aviator. They look unique, have more potent powerplants, and their cabins many times luxurious than what you get in this MDX, especially considering the $73K pricetag. Door panels and most of the switchgear looks like it came straight up from an Accord. Panel gaps are also not the best. Can't expect much though, it's not really a Japanese product but rather American built, actually all Honda/Acura products are for that matter. Want a true Japanese SUV, get a Lexus LX.
14:54 Good catch, this new generation of all Acura cars (including non Type-S MDX and TLX Type-S) have the same problem, the acceleration paddle is not responsive, comparing to the last gen. That's a deal breaker for me.
Avoid this suv if you live in warm climates. The AC is sadly almost non-existent on hot days and you will constantly be uncomfortably warm. I’ve had better AC in a Kia.
A hybrid F150 is faster than this “type s” Acura lol. And more fuel efficient. And cheaper! With Bigger interior space! It’s ridiculous how marginally they improved this Acura with the “type s”
@@joemason1413 There are more reasons to get the mdx, but the 40i is really good especially with its mpg. The mdx type s just has better value. It's still a hard decision to choose the MDX type s over the 40i
It's a sign of the times, everybody. Acura has hit the mark with the MDX Type S. If you have $75k to $80k to spend on a vehicle, take a shop around and see what you can get for that price range. That $80k luxury brand from two years ago has moved well out of that range today, when equipped with all the popular features. The MDX Type S suddenly looks like a winner.
Similar options on a GLE 450 had me close to 85K, same with BMW. Have had the Type S for a week and I love it more and more every day. I look for excuses to drive it.
I’ve had the MDX type S advanced and it’s one of the most incredible vehicles I’ve ever driven. I hope this car lasts forever.
What year?
@@sunnygirl9691 2022
Any issues with the transmission hanging? Some reviewers mentioned that.
My type s advance tiger eye pearl with azurite blue interior arrives this weekend. Beyond excited.
We cross shopped this with the GV80, X7, Aviator, GLE 350, and Q7. This is the only one that gave me both and emotional and visceral thrill when driving it. It’s not the fastest off the line but man, this thing pulls in 4th and 5th gears. And when you hit the corners, forget it. So so fun.
Congrats!
It's deceptively quick once underway. I've just hit the 600 mi break-in point and got on it today. No lack of power. Cross shopped same as you.
I also really like that it doesn't look too different than an A spec ( I have liquid carbon) and kind of blends in.
ELS signature audio is the best I've ever heard, and the 9 mode seat massage is sublime.... And it's equally comfortable just lugging along on the highway or in stop and go traffic, as it is hitting a really demanding curvy road in sport mode. I actually think it rides better than the standard MDX overall, and it seems quieter..
@@jakr1880 awesome! Curious as to how you’ve found the infotainment system. Are you used to the touchpad?
if for whatever reason, you need to sell that car in 2 years (because life happens), I'm sure you're going to be even happier that you went with an Acura
solid vehicle, make sure to sell it before it hits 100k miles tho
Wow Acura is REALLY stepping up their game! Great video as always, guys!
I've had my Type S in Platinum White Pearl / Red Interior for a couple of weeks. Loving it more every day. Comfort mode is a smooth criminal!
You out of your mind if you don’t like the exterior style man. The exterior is beautiful!
Ok wow i am impressed. The day that Paul and Todd buy an Acura MDX Type S *over* the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Merc Benz, Porsche Cayenne/Macan, Genesis GV80, Lexus RX, and Infiniti QX60, that is the day that I will give the new Acura Integra/ILX a test drive against the Honda Civic Si.
Lexus doesn't compete with Type-S.
LOL... Lame Lexus RX? Those are only for soccer moms and older people.
@@MH-im4oh realtors!
Great Review! Thanks 😊 finally Acura stepping up their game.
I've had one the last 9 months. I usually keep it in Normal mode and I'm averaging around 20.5mpg combined which I don't think is horrible for something this big that has some power.
I. have been waiting for tis one. Thanks!!!
Reliability is a pretty solid for MDX 2011, i have 108k miles and i love the SH-AWD. I am a believer of pushing my engine to rev high and taking advantage of torque vectoring in corners. I love to get a MDX- type S.
I currently have 17 Cayenne S and an Odyssey. I really wanted the Type S but it gave up to much room for my wife to give up her minivan which we need when we have the Grandkids. But when I am ready to replace the Cayenne it will most likely be a Type S. A similarly specified Cayenne is over $100,000 and the driving dynamics are close enough for 98% of my driving
Todd said, $70K, this is where we're at. He's not kidding. I know all the new tech in today's cars is great,but it's making everything so expensive it's pricing most people out.
It's all going to crash and burn real soon. S*** is getting real and we are going to get an actual depression in this country. $10 gas is also going to finish off these SUVs people are going to be looking for Toyota Corollas
Yea….too Expensive new and too expensive replacing that fancy air suspension in 10 years
Get 3.5 MDX instead.
@@oneviwatara9384 Yeah, gutless with mushy brakes and no adaptive suspension. Pass on the base. If you can't afford the type s then cross shop.
I had in mind on upgrading from highlander to Toyota Sequoia Platinum or TRD but after watching this I am 50/50 but the towing is where I still leaning on towards to Sequoia, this car is calling my name too :).
It looks really good in white.
Outstanding review
I like that color with the blue seats.
The COLOR is FAB!! Who else? Who else, has got a color anywhere near this! It WORKS GUYS, it’s stunning and smart beautiful and will wear well through the years. Looks fantastic in fall weather and leaf color change. Much like a red car in autumn color change.
You're both so right more power.
Actually loving the colour
I am diggin the Gshock instead of the usual tudor GMT
Great job by Acura. I would buy this.
Color: bloody urine gold
I have the '21 TLX 2.0 and the electronic throttle/turbo lag is really the one drawback of the car, but I gave it Ktuner stage 1 with the throttle adjustment and now the car feels perfect. It's really just electronic lag. The throttle pedal felt digital before, no matter what you did there was always this delay. Before the tune I had to put my foot into the pedal about halfway down its travel to get a normal level of response out of it. Even if I was in manual mode sitting at 3500 rpms there was a delay. In other similar cars you put the throttle down 25% for the same effect. The tune changed that completely
Watch for other electrical gremlins as Autoblog had to give thier TLX back to Acura.
@@normt430 there's a few people on the TLX Gen 2 Facebook group with some issues, luckily mine has been flawless
I like Todd’s “Old Apple Juice”. Pretty accurate. I thought “Metallic Baby Poop” when I saw it.
I think on some of these "7 seater" vehicles, we should start adopting the sports car +2 seats nomenclature. Like an FR-S is a 2+2 coupe, not a 4 seater, this MDX is a 5+2 SUV, not a 7 seater. The only real "7 seaters" should be minivans and Tahoe-sized SUVs.
superbly pretty too
What are you talking about (8:25). This is the best thing they did to the proportions. I owned 2nd and currently own third generations and I hated the proportions on both. They both looked like they had to fit the sheet metal on different platform while this generation feels like they designed the platform for a predetermined design. I love the look of this generation but also understand that looks is subjective
Mdx Type S is 🔥 💜 💜 💜
Tigers eye is the name of a gemstone pretty close to the color of the car.
Are you serious?!
Great to see this because the TLX Type S was a letdown. I sold mine and got into a 330i X Drive with M Sport package. Drives way better because of the much lower weight and a bad ass engine and transmission combo. I also average well over 30 MPG consistently.
Did you have water in fuzebox like Autoblog did with TLX?
I'd love to get a RDX, but the center console is just, ugh. Track-pad, ugh.
You really forget about it after a while, especially if you use android auto or Apple carplay. If you like everything else about the car it's definitely not big enough of an issue to ruin the car. I have a TLX with the same trackpad
I like when you said "yesssss!!!" I'll be honest did Acura kidnap a Mazda designer?
And this is why I will ALWAYS choose Honda/Acura than money-grabbing Toyota/Lexus.
The only thing I think they missed out on was the lack of a touchscreen console.
Bring the infotainment screen forward (within comfortable arms length of the driver) and make it touchscreen.
Other than that, the performance, build quality and comfort are all very good!
Regarding the poor milage, for the first week I kept putting my Type S in sport+ mode, and would be a bit of a lead foot - because it was so much fun. But leave the car in normal and drive conservatively and you can get decent milage.... Just depends on how much of an adrenaline junkie you are.
Nah, leave the screen out of it. People try to be too fancy and end up falling on their face because thry put everything behind it. Im so glad to see physical controls
As for mileage, I get 14 average with my 07.. I can't imagine what it would be with this 🤤 I NEED ONE
@@JTMoodie2 Then why would they give the upcoming (2023) Integra a touchscreen infotainment system?
@@metamorphic75 different product, different customer
@@JTMoodie2 in it's class, the competition of the MDX all have a touch screen.
Heck, I can live with it - but it is disappointing that a standard feature for the last 3+ years was skipped over in their flagship SUV.
@@metamorphic75 i cant disagree, but i also do still believe the infotainment ages cars and can easily go wrong if they put the wrong thing behind it. Personally, I'm glad in ways but i do see where you're coming from; ESPECIALLY for the price
This is such a great review but why why WHY on a cloudy, moody, rainy day would you film the entire thing with the panoramic moonroof closed? It would have really changed the vibe, guys...
Only small gripes for me are the shift by wire gear selector unit (not a fan) the lack of touchscreen compatibility (Acura give us both touchscreen and non-touchscreen control options) and all that shiny piano black trim (just use a nice light wood veneer) around the console and across the dash. Otherwise, the styling looks good, the interior looks upscale and comfortable, and it has more than enough power as a daily driver. I guess MPG's could be better but this is the performance version so it's not a surprise!
Love it
Perfect for Washington State
Apex Blue!!!!!!
(Just saying)
This is a top 2 contender for me, and the reason is the reliability. I'll always have that question mark with the Germans, but not this one.
Who could've imagined that the best Type-S product Acura offered was in an SUV?
All Japanese luxury companies lack in performance SUVs.
I have the TLX Type S. The SUV version is nothing I’m interested in. I’m a single person. It is very nice though.
Acura seat ventilation doesn’t work at all. For those of us that live where summers are hot, it’s one of the worst brands you can buy and I hate that because I really loved everything about my old Acura but I’ll never buy another because for reasons unknown Acura refuses to address that issue.
The Buick and Cadillac vented seats work great!
73k?!
I almost stopped watching at $73k
Well done worked that wife's Porsche in again 👌
We're not sure why that's strange... Todd has covered his wife's Cayenne in a long term ownership series on our original channel, and they are currently shopping a replacement. Seems an obvious discussion in this comparison. Thanks for watching.
Air ride suspension, a small engine, with a turbo? Three new systems that will be riddled with gremlins.
Type S vs X5… That’s my dilemma right now…
Same exact boat. If you are going brand new it’s a no brainer to me. Comparably optioned X5 (to the Type S Advance) is at least 10k more, 13,500 if you want a comparable stereo. So for me it’s either a well optioned gently used X5 or the Type S Advance brand new. I guess I gotta get off my rear end and go test drive both. Good luck with the purchase!
Im going type S. I am currently in a 2015 X5 without any tech. I love
The ride of the type S.
Handling is very good.
Price about the same as new X5 without all the comfort features. Hoping maintenence cost is less. TBD.
Only draw back is the horrible mpg but I guess if your spending this kind of money you don't care much about the mpg
I’d still take a used x5 m50i or cayenne s
Ditto!
M50 is amazing, but won’t hold its value and pray that nothing goes wrong…because bmw quality took a dump.
Money Pitts
Who love brown cars ?
You like my new Acura ? It's the "I eat mexican last night" brown metalics !
Too much money. Period. There is no justifying it. I eagerly await the recession to set things back to normal anymore because things are crazy. Especially in these SUVs and CUVs. Yeah, sports car prices went up, but so did the performance, multiple times. But did SUV, umm, people hauling go up the same way with "in a pinch" 3rd row? No. They get out done by a Taurus station wagon with backwards facing 3rd row seats. Are they faster? Sometimes, but they're big SUVs, don't care. Do they ride better? Sometimes, because many older SUVs rode good.
SUVs and CUVs are just massive cash grabs. At least Toyota and Honda still do one thing right, the RAV4 and CRV are great. They went up too sure, but not as much, and they actually became more usable at the same time. Mix Mazda in there too.
Honda+ with single turbo V6?
Nice but I'd go with Lexus gx470 or lx570
'Baby Poo Yellow'
Sorry.
The GV80 is, by far, a better buy. Particularly with the GV80’s excellent warranty. $77,000 for a Acura MDX without a third row might be a stretch.
The GV80 is awesome and the warranty is definitely better. But this Type S does drive better does have a third row. Thanks for watching!
GV80s are having transmission problems. Look it up. Leaving people on the side of the road.
@@lexbeats I’m sure that’s a ‘recall’ issue to be addressed if it’s a widespread systematic problem, and the terrific Honda warranty covers that at no cost. Otherwise it’s still a better buy than the $77k non third row seat MDX. A $55k MDX would be a more reasonable buy. Even a $49K Kia Telluride SX is, by far, a better choice.
@@king-xerxus7040 mdx has a 3rd row.
@@flexonthadevil grantee, but, a $47,500 fully loaded Kia Telluride SX is also third row. And outsells the MDX for good reason. The MDX is a good choice, but $77K plus? Add a few thousands more and get a Mercedes or BMX or even a new leftover Escalade. But, get the MDX if you like it.
At this pricepoint, I'd much rather the GV80 or Aviator. They look unique, have more potent powerplants, and their cabins many times luxurious than what you get in this MDX, especially considering the $73K pricetag. Door panels and most of the switchgear looks like it came straight up from an Accord. Panel gaps are also not the best. Can't expect much though, it's not really a Japanese product but rather American built, actually all Honda/Acura products are for that matter. Want a true Japanese SUV, get a Lexus LX.
Its just no taos .
14:54 Good catch, this new generation of all Acura cars (including non Type-S MDX and TLX Type-S) have the same problem, the acceleration paddle is not responsive, comparing to the last gen. That's a deal breaker for me.
I like the GV70 better. Looks like they have the EV version too.
Still can't touch the Lincoln Aviator, especially for that similar price.
Avoid this suv if you live in warm climates. The AC is sadly almost non-existent on hot days and you will constantly be uncomfortably warm. I’ve had better AC in a Kia.
There is no chance that I would take this over a Genesis
Every spec of dust is jumping off all that shiny black plastic interior.
355hp come on mdx the going rate is 400hp.
Not with single turbo V6! Meh!
But it’s a Hyundai
?…. Acura?
@@TestDriveVideos I was replying to another comment. Where someone said why not get a GV80.
great review nice car
A hybrid F150 is faster than this “type s” Acura lol. And more fuel efficient. And cheaper! With
Bigger interior space! It’s ridiculous how marginally they improved this Acura with the “type s”
ummm. shouldn't you be spec'ing the MDX Type-S against it's competitors? Not a full sized truck LMAO
Give me a reason why don't go buy a BMW X5 40i at around $73000?
It's still just a HONDA.
3 row and fully loaded
It will last longer than a BMW in value and mechanics….I quit bmw….after 3 years bmw become a money pit and they all look the same.
@@matthewyang2792 that’s 2 reasons. Good ones too. 😁
@@joemason1413 There are more reasons to get the mdx, but the 40i is really good especially with its mpg. The mdx type s just has better value. It's still a hard decision to choose the MDX type s over the 40i